If you subscribe to this blog or follow me on Instagram, you probably know that Detroit is one of my verrrry favorite places to explore. I’m always discovering something new in this city, and this year, I’m particularly excited about two major additions: the development of The District Detroit and the arrival of Little Caesars Arena.
A 50-block area of businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues, The District Detroit is a new development that will connect Downtown Detroit with Midtown in an effort to create more opportunities for locals, out-of-town visitors, families, and people of all ages to spend time enjoying the Motor City. I was recently given two opportunities to visit and learn more at The District Detroit Preview Center (courtesy of Olympia Entertainment, Visit Detroit, and Travel Massive). Each tour offered a unique perspective, yet honed in on the massive impact this project is expected to have on the city.
Above: Scale model of the new District Detroit inside The District Detroit Preview Center
Located inside Comerica Park, the Preview Center was designed with investors and developers in mind. While it’s not open to the general public, the Preview Center hosts several scheduled tours each day for season ticket holders, business groups, press/media, and other relevant organizations. Inside, every inch of space–from the lobby to the hallways–is decorated in Detroit-made and inspired memorabilia and images that pull together the vision of the new entertainment district.
Above: Detroit events are highlighted inside The District Detroit Preview Center
More Info On The New District Detroit:
– The District Detroit is led by and largely funded by the Ilitch corporation (which owns Little Caesars, the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Tigers, and Olympia Entertainment)
– The district encompasses 25 historic buildings and boasts 20,000 theater seats, second in the country only to NYC.
– The new district will bring all of Detroit’s major sports teams together in the same area: Detroit Tigers, Lions, and coming to the new Little Caesars Arena: Red Wings and Pistons.
– The District Detroit encompasses five neighborhoods:
1.) Columbia Street (shops, boutiques, galleries, theaters)
2.) Columbia Park (urban green space, retail specialty shops, loft-style condos)
3.) Woodward Square (Little Caesars Arena, dining, loft living)
4.) Wildcat Corner (Comerica Park and Ford Field, bars, shops, street vendors)
5.) Cass Park Village (Wayne State University, independent shopping, artistic community)
Above: Exclusive look at a scale model of Little Caesars Arena
Above: Scale Replica of Little Caesars Arena
Perhaps the most touted product of the emerging District Detroit, Little Caesars Arena is well on its way to being completed by Fall 2017 and will serve as the new home of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons. The arena will be equipped to host concerts and other large shows year-round, and will also feature a large pavilion with retail shopping, restaurants, and more. Oh, and get this: the outside wall of the arena will be a HUGE video screen that changes with each event. It’s going to be awesome.
Above: Jerseys and sample Red Wings lockers as they’ll appear in the new Little Caesars Arena
Above: Replica of a (sweet) suite layout for the new Little Caesars Arena
So….what do you think? Are you excited for the new District Detroit and Little Caesars Arena? Sound off in the comments below!
You Might Also Enjoy:
